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Fractures
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Fractures
• Disruption or break in continuity of structure of bone
• Majority of fractures from traumatic injuries • Some fractures secondary to disease process (pathologic fractures) – Cancer, osteoporosis ² Recall your knowledge: Name a disease from endocrine unit?
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Case Study
• L.G. , a 23-‐year-‐old man, is brought to ED following injury to his right arm during a rugby game.
• A bone in his forearm is protruding through his skin. • The ERS immobilized the arm at the scene. • L.G. rates his pain as a 9 on a scale of 0-‐10.
² How would you classify this fracture? Explain.
(©Jupiterimages/Pixland/Thinkstock)
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Classification According to External Environment
Complete or Incomplete – Complete: break is completely through bone
– Incomplete: bone is still in one piece
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Classification Classification According to Location
Based on direction of fracture line • Linear • Oblique • Transverse • Longitudinal • Spiral Displaced or nondisplaced Displaced: two ends separated from one another (comminuted or oblique) Nondisplaced: periosteum is intact and bone is aligned (transverse, spiral , or greenstick)
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Case Study Clinical Manifestations: • Localized pain • Decreased function • Inability to bear weight or use
• Swelling and bleeding from soft tissue damage
• Guard against movement • May or may not have deformity
Immobilize if suspect fracture!!!!
For what other clinical manifestations associated with a fracture will you assess L.G.?
² How long it will take for his bone to heal? Explain.
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(©Jupiterimages/Pixland/Thinkstock)
Fracture Healing
Multistage healing process (union)
1. Fracture hematoma –first 72 hours
2. Granulation tissue -‐3 to 14 days
3. Callus formation –end of 2nd week
4. Ossification -‐3 weeks to 6 months
5. Consolidation –up to 1 year
6. Remodeling
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FRACTURE HEALING
• Factors influencing healing – Displacement and site of fracture – Blood supply to area – Immobilization – Internal fixation devices – Infection or poor nutrition – Age – Smoking
.
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Complications of Fracture Healing
• Delayed union • Nonunion • Malunion • Angulation • Pseudoarthrosis • Refracture • Myositis ossificans
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Neurovascular Assessment
• Peripheral vascular – Color and temperature – Capillary refill – Pulses – Edema
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Neurovascular Assessment
• Peripheral neurologic – Motor function • Upper and lower extremities
– Sensory function –more than “can you feel this” – Paresthesia
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Nursing Diagnoses
• Impaired physical mobility • Risk for peripheral neurovascular dysfunction • Acute pain • Readiness for enhanced health management
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Nursing Planning Overall Nursing Goals: – Healing with no associated complications (i.e. infection, osteoporosis, fat embolism) – Satisfactory pain relief – Maximal rehabilitation
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Interprofessional Care
• Overall Interprofessional Goals of Fracture Treatment: 1. Anatomic
realignment (reduction –closed vs. open)
2. Immobilization 3. Restoration of
normal or near-‐normal function
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Case Study
• An x-‐ray confirms a: – Complete transverse break of the right radius – Oblique fracture of the right ulnar bone.
• L.G. is scheduled for an immediate debridement and open reduction/repair of these fractures.
² What is the planned treatment to L.G.? Explain.
(©Jupiterimages/Pixland/Thinkstock)
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Fracture Reduction –CLOSED
• Nonsurgical, manual realignment of bone fragments
• Traction and countertraction applied
• Under local or general anesthesia
• Immobilization afterwards
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Traction
Purpose
• Prevent or ↓ pain and muscle spasm
• Immobilize joint or part of body
• Reduce fracture or dislocation
• Treat a pathologic joint condition
How does it work? • Pulling force to attain realignment – countertraction pulls in opposite direction
• Two most common types of traction – Skin traction – Skeletal traction
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Skin Traction
• Short-‐term (48-‐72 hours)
• Tape, boots, or splints applied directly to skin
• Traction weights 5 to 10 pounds
• Skin assessment and prevention of breakdown imperative
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Skeletal Traction
• Long-‐term pull to maintain alignment • Pin or wire inserted into bone • Weights 5 to 45 lbs (sandbags) • Risk for infection • Complications of immobility
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Skeletal Traction
• Maintain countertraction, typically the patient’s own body weight – Elevate end of bed
• Maintain continuous traction
• Keep weights off the floor
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Traction
• Inspect exposed skin • Monitor pin sites for infection • Pin site care per policy • Proper positioning • Exercise as permitted • Psychosocial needs
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Fracture Reduction -‐OPEN • Surgical incision
• Internal fixation – Risk for infection – Early ROM of joint to prevent adhesions – Facilitates early ambulation
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Case Study
• What type of immobilization would you expect L.G. to return from surgery with?
• Most likely a bivalved (split) cast wrapped in an Ace bandage. • This type of cast allows visualiza=on of the surgical incision and expansion for any poten=al postopera=ve swelling.
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(©Jupiterimages/Pixland/Thinkstock)
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Fracture Immobilization • Cast – Temporary – Allows patient to perform many normal activities of daily living
– Made of various materials – Typically incorporates joints above and below fracture
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Upper Extremity Immobilization
• Types of casts – Sugar-‐tong splint – Posterior splint – Short arm cast – Long arm cast
• Sling to elevate and support arm – Contraindicated with proximal humerus fracture
• Sling – To support and elevate arm
– Ensures axillary area is well padded
– No undue pressure on posterior neck
– Encourage movement of fingers and nonimmobilized joints
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Vertebral Immobilization
• Body jacket brace – Immobilization and support for stable spine injuries
– Monitor for superior mesenteric artery syndrome (cast syndrome) • Assess bowel sounds • Treat with gastric decompression
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Lower Extremity Immobilization
• Long leg cast • Short leg cast • Cylinder cast • Robert Jones dressing
• Elevate extremity above heart
• Do not place in a dependent position
• Observe for signs of compartment syndrome and increased pressure
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Lower Extremity Immobilization
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External Fixation
• Metal pins and rods • Applies traction • Compresses fracture fragments • Immobilizes and holds fracture fragments in place
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• Assess for pin loosening and infection
• Patient teaching • Pin site care –per hospital
protocol EXTERNAL FIXATION
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Stabiliza=on of Knee Injury
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Case Study
² What classifications of medication would you expect the health care provider to order for L.G. postoperatively? Explain.
² What vaccination should he have received in the ED if he were not up-‐to-‐date?
(©Jupiterimages/Pixland/Thinkstock)
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Drug Therapy
• Central and peripheral muscle relaxants – Carisoprodol (Soma) – Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) – Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
• Tetanus and diphtheria toxoid • Bone-‐penetrating antibiotics
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Case Study • ↑ Protein (1 g/kg of body weight)
• ↑ Vitamins (B, C, D) • ↑ Calcium, phosphorus , and magnesium
• ↑ Fluid (2000-‐3000 mL/day)
• ↑ Fiber • Body jacket and hip spica cast patients: six small meals a day
What will you teach L.G. about his nutritional needs related to bone healing? ² Explain
rationale for each.
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(©Jupiterimages/Pixland/Thinkstock)
Case Study • L.G. returns to the orthopedic unit following an open reduction and fixation of his arm fractures.
• His right arm has a splint cast on it that is secured with an Ace wrap.
• It is elevated above the level of his heart. • The surgeon has written an order for hourly neurovascular checks.
² What will you assess when performing these checks? Explain.
(©Jupiterimages/Pixland/Thinkstock)
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Case Study
• Acute Pain • Risk for Alteration in Peripheral Tissue Perfusion
• Impaired Physical Mobility • Risk for Peripheral Neurovascular Dysfunction
What nursing diagnoses would be appropriate for L.G.?
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(©Jupiterimages/Pixland/Thinkstock)
Nursing Implementation
• Health Promotion – Teach safety precautions – Advocate to decrease injuries – Encourage moderate exercise – Safe environment to reduce falls – Calcium and vitamin D intake
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Nursing Implementation
• Acute Care – Patients with fractures can be treated in the emergency department or a physician’s office
– Patients are released home, or they may require hospitalization
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Preoperative Care
• Patient Teaching – Immobilization – Assistive devices – Expected activity limitations – Assure that needs will be met – Pain medication
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Postoperative Care
• Monitor vitals • General principles of post-‐operative nursing care
• Frequent neurovascular assessments • Minimize pain and discomfort • Monitor for bleeding or drainage – Aseptic technique – Blood salvage and reinfusion
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Other Measures
• Prevent complications of immobility – Constipation – Renal calculi – Cardiopulmonary deconditioning – DVT/pulmonary emboli
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Case Study
• L.G. recuperates well and is scheduled for discharge the following day. • What will you teach L.G. regarding care of his cast?
(©Jupiterimages/Pixland/Thinkstock)
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Ambulatory Care Cast Care
• Do – Frequent neurovascular assessments – Apply ice for first 24 hours – Elevate above heart for first 48 hours – Exercise joints above and below – Use hair dryer on cool setting for itching – Check with health care provider before getting wet
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Ambulatory Care Cast Care
• Do – Dry thoroughly after getting wet – Report increasing pain despite elevation, ice, and analgesia
– Report swelling associated with pain and discoloration OR movement
– Report burning or tingling under cast – Report sores or foul odor under cast
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Ambulatory Care Cast Care
• Do not – Elevate if compartment syndrome – Get plaster cast wet – Remove padding – Insert objects inside cast – Bear weight for 48 hours – Cover cast with plastic for prolonged period
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Ambulatory Care Cast Care
• Validate understanding of cast care instructions
• Follow-‐up phone call • Teach cast removal and possible alterations in appearance of extremity
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Ambulatory Care
• Psychosocial problems – Dependence in performing ADLs – Family separation – Finances – Inability to work – Potential disability
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Ambulatory Care • Ambulation
– Reinforce physical therapist’s instructions – Mobility training – Instruction in use of assistive aids – Pain management
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Ambulation
• Degrees of weight-‐bearing – Non–weight-‐bearing (NWB) – Touch-‐down/toe-‐touch weight-‐bearing (TDWB) – Partial–weight-‐bearing – Weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) – Full–weight-‐bearing ambulation (Ad lib)
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Assistive Devices • Devices for ambulation range from a cane to a walker or crutches
• Technique for use varies • Use transfer belt for stability when teaching how to use
• Discourage from reaching for support
• Upper arm strength required
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Evaluation
• Report satisfactory pain management • Appropriate care of cast or immobilizer • No peripheral neurovascular dysfunction • Uncomplicated bone healing
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Complications of Fractures • Infection
• Compartment Syndrome • Fasciotomy for Compartment Syndrome
• Venous Thromboembolism • Fat Embolism (FES) • Rhabdomyolysis • Hypovolemic Shock
• Majority heal without complication
• Death is usually the result of • Damage to
underlying organs and vascular structures
• Complications of fracture or immobility
• May be direct (i.e. infection) or indirect (i.e. compartment syndrome, VTE, FES)
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INFECTION Treatment: • Aggressive surgical debridement
• Wound may or may not be closed
• Closed suction drainage • Skin grafting • Antibiotics – irrigation, impregnated-‐beads, and IV
• High incidence in open fractures and soft tissue injuries
• Devitalized and contaminated tissue an ideal medium for pathogens
• Prevention key • Can lead to
chronic osteomyelitis
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COMPARTMENT SYNDROME • Two basic types of
compartment syndrome – ↓ Compartment size – ↑ Compartment contents
• Arterial flow compromised → ischemia → cell death → loss of function
• Swelling and increased pressure within a confined space
• Compromises neurovascular function of tissues within that space
• Usually involves the leg but can occur in any muscle group
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Compartment Syndrome –Clinical Manifestations
• Six Ps § Pain § Pressure § Paresthesia § Pallor § Paralysis § Pulselessness
• Early recognition and treatment essential
• May occur initially or may be delayed several days
• Ischemia can occur within 4 to 8 hours after onset
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Compartment Syndrome Interprofessional Care
• Prompt, accurate diagnosis via regular neurovascular assessments, performed by RN – Notify of pain unrelieved by drugs and out of proportion to injury
– Paresthesia is also an early sign • Assess urine output and kidney function –Rhabdomyolysis
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Compartment Syndrome Interprofessional Care
• NO elevation above heart
• NO ice • Surgical
decompression (fasciotomy)
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VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLIM
• High susceptibility aggravated by inactivity of muscles
• Prophylactic anticoagulant drugs
• Antiembolism stockings
• Sequential compression devices
• ROM exercises
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Fat Embolism (FES) • Presence of systemic fat
globules from fracture that are distributed into tissues and organs after a traumatic skeletal injury
• Most common with fracture of long bones, ribs, tibia, and pelvis
• Contributory factor in many deaths associated with fracture
Mechanical theory:
Fat released from marrow and enters circulation where it can obstruct Biochemical theory:
Hormonal changes caused by trauma stimulate release of fatty acids to form fat emboli Fall 2018
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Fat Embolism (FES) Clinical Manifestations
• Early recognition is crucial –rapid & acute; comatose
• Symptoms 24 to 48 hours after injury –”impending disaster”
• Fat emboli in the lungs cause a hemorrhagic interstitial pneumonitis.
• Respiratory (pallor to cyanosis) and neurologic symptoms
• Petechiae – neck, chest wall, axilla, buccal membrane, conjunctiva
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Fat Embolism (FES) Clinical Manifestations
• Fat cells in blood, urine, or sputum
• ↓ PaO2 < 60 mm Hg • ST segment and T-‐wave changes
• ↓ Platelet count, hematocrit levels
• Elevated ESR • Chest x-‐ray →bilateral pulmonary infiltrates
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Fat Embolism (FES) Interprofessional Care
• Treatment is directed at prevention • Careful immobilization and handling of a long bone fracture probably the most important factor in prevention
• Management is supportive and related to symptom management
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Fat Embolism (FES) Interprofessional Care
• Coughing and deep breathing • Administer O2
• Intubation/ intermittent positive pressure ventilation
• May develop pulmonary edema, ARDS, or both, leading to increased mortality rate
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A plaster splint is applied with an elastic bandage to the leg of a patient with a fractured tibia in preparation for open reduction and internal fixation. The patient complains of increasing pain in the affected leg and foot that is not relieved by loosening of the elastic bandage. The most appropriate action by the nurse is to a. elevate the leg on two pillows. b. apply ice over the fracture site. c. notify the health care provider. d. perform neurovascular assessment of the foot.
Audience Response QuesBon
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A patient has a severely sprained ankle from a sports injury. What should the nurse teach the patient prior to discharge from the urgent care center? a. Alternate cold and heat for 30 minutes each until
symptoms are relieved. b. Apply cold for 20 to 30 minutes with breaks of 10 to 15
minutes during the first 2 days. c. Use continuous cold for the first 24 hours and then
continuous heat until the symptoms are relieved. d. Apply continuous heat to the ankle for the first 24 hours
and then continuous cold until the symptoms are relieved.
Audience Response Question
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